“Honestly, there’s an issue at the moment where there’s a lot of people being accused of things, (but) with Johnny, it seems to me there was one person who took a pop at him and claimed something," Yates told EW, referring to Depp's ex Amber Heard. "I can only tell you about the man I see every day: He’s full of decency and kindness, and that’s all I see. Whatever accusation was out there doesn't’t tally with the kind of human being I’ve been working with.”

Yates differentiated Heard's accusations against Depp from those made about men including Harvey Weinstein and Kevin Spacey.

"It’s very different (than cases) where there are multiple accusers over many years that need to be examined and we need to reflect on our industry that allows that to roll on year in and year out. Johnny isn’t in that category in any shape or form. So to me, it doesn’t bear any more analysis," he said. "It's a dead issue."

The couple released this joint statement in three months later: "Our relationship was intensely passionate and at times volatile, but always bound by love. Neither party has made false accusations for financial gain. There was never any intent of physical or emotional harm. Amber wishes the best for Johnny in the future. Amber will be donating financial proceeds from the divorce to a charity."

Depp made a cameo in last November's Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. The Beasts sequel, which will feature Depp in a more prominent role, is slated for release on Nov. 16, 2018.